No-Dig Gardening for Beginners: Step-by-Step Guide with Cardboard and Compost

My "maximum compost" method for starting out. Add a lot to make new beds, then very little in subsequent years. See the sequel to how we grew potatoes and leeks, on the beds in this video's thumbnail • Smother weeds for a po...
The cardboard is only for this stage of smothering weeds - keep them in the dark and they expire! Then you don't need to lay any more cardboard, once there are no weeds.
For how to continue, see my Tools and Techniques video • Tools and techniques: ...
You can use less compost. Lay thick card on weeds then 2in/5cm compost asap in early spring, and wet the card if it's dry. Then use a trowel to 'cut' potato size holes in the card and a little into the weedy soil below, to pop in a seed potato. This can give some harvest by summer, while killing weeds too, but you must pull any weeds you see :)
Using less compost for no dig • No dig, using less com...
If you do not have access to any compost, use old leaves, manure at least half-decomposed - or at limit the one month old you see in this video. Results in year one will be less brilliant than in subsequent years, but you will be clearing weeds easily as well as having a harvest.
Vegetables like potatoes, squash and zucchini grow well though cardboard and less-perfect compost. After they finish you could plant kale or leeks etc.
POSTSCRIPT JULY 2020 the Charlotte potatoes from the two beds in the thumbnail photo gave 54kg/119lb. Then we transplanted leeks.
00:00 Introduction - a look at beds created last December
00:36 What is light-excluding mulch?
01:04 Is cardboard needed?
01:14 Killing weeds, right from the start, without digging
02:08 Now 3 months since mulching this weedy pasture - grass now growing through, how to react
02:48 The importance of creating an edge, and how to maintain it by re-laying cardboard
06:35 Some couch grass, and how to get rid of it completely through mulching
08:07 I demonstrate planting a seed potato straight into the compost
09:11 I demonstrate making a brand new bed on weeds, with cardboard then compost, and a brief mention on using soil
11:41 Different compost options - green waste…
12.23 …homemade…
13:08 …mushroom…
13:49 …and multi-purpose compost from a sack
14:10 Firming compost with feet - not compacting! I explain the difference
15:30 Levelling with a shovel to get it ready for planting
15:47 About using wooden sides, or not
16:17 Using wood chip on the pathway
18:11 Transplants ready to go in the ground, and I demonstrate planting - multisown spring onions...
19:26 Three multisown pea plants
19:59 Why propagate, as opposed to sowing direct in the ground?
20:16 Cabbage, spinach and lettuce
21:02 Multisown beetroot, and I demonstrate spacing
22:10 A worthwhile investment of compost
22:34 Examples of second plantings
23:02 What happens when the roots reach the cardboard?
23:51 Broccoli planted the previous summer
25:10 Thinking ahead for second/succession plantings to grow and harvest all year
25:47 A look at some of the harvested produce from my garden
27:21 An added benefit of homegrown veg - microbes, and why they are important
My website has a Get Started page: charlesdowding.co.uk/start-no...
Learn in depth about no dig gardening with my online courses, which contain many more videos.
No Dig Gardening explains why and how no dig works:
charlesdowding.co.uk/product/...
Skills for Growing teaches just that, the skills needed for successful vegetable growing: charlesdowding.co.uk/product/...
From Seed to Harvest gives comprehensive teachings on how to grow 40 of my favourite vegetables: charlesdowding.co.uk/product/...
There are also discounts for multiple course purchases.
Immunologist Jenna Macchiochi is here www.drjennamacciochi.com/
Find more information about no dig and my garden on Instagram charles_dowding and Twitter @charlesdowding
Filmed at Homeacres 18th March 2020 by David Adams.
To join my channel as a member, use this link / @charlesdowding1nodig
As a member, you can watch a new video each month, which is exclusively for members. Your payments support my promotion and teaching of better, easier gardening. I can offer bursaries for day courses and online courses, through individuals in charge of community gardens/allotments and school gardens. Contact us through my website to enquire about bursaries charlesdowding.co.uk/contact-us/
To buy the module trays I designed with Containerwise, see this page on my website:
charlesdowding.co.uk/shop/gar...
When you make a purchase of products I recommend, please use this link to my page on Crocus tidd.ly/44dEU7d, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support.
#nodig #growyourownfood #healthyfood #compost #growyourownveggies

[@susanrobbins6011]

I have just taken over the tenancy of a half allotment plot. My kids thought I was bonkers because I'm nearly 70 and disabled but they now agree that using this method I can do it!! Thank you for inspiring me to press on with my dream.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

All power to you, honoured to help Susan

[@dustyandchelseamcclellan5670]

That's wonderful!! Enjoy your garden!!

[@Just-Nikki]

Susan Robbins yes ma’am, you can do it! I wish you an abundant year young lady!

[@davidsmith663]

I was diagnosed with heart failure last year. I started no dig 5/6 years ago and found Charles site about two years ago. It works. I couldn't do the digging or weeding now but spreading a bit of compost now and then and planting out some plugs is all doable for me. Good luck with your new patch.

[@David-jp1cg]

Good for you, I've no idea where to start growing my own veg, so I'm starting here before the garden ends up a mess

[@eddy8828]

I’m so glad I met this channel. Super guy, immensely knowledgeable.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Welcome aboard, happy to help

[@whoopsiedaisyhandmade7319]

Best straightforward tutorials I have found after week's of searching. Thank you Charles now I know what to do and I'm feeling very inspired!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear!

[@Benboy1980]

My wife’s mother and (in turn) HER 90 year old mother sent me a news clipping in the Sunday times with an article of yours with no-dig. Being a millennial I immediately searched on KZbin and found this 😂😇. Fantastic, what a great way to garden, this will save me hours. Many thanks 🙏

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is awesome!

[@vivsalittlebitcrafty4854]

Approaching 60 years of age and illness now leaving me with limited mobility, I was devastated to think my gardening days were all but over...then I discovered your no dig method...oh my goodness, what an absolute Godsend!! Thank you so very much. Gardening has always been a major part of my life, from the first little patch my Dad gave me in his garden, at age 4 - to date. It has quite honestly kept me sane, a fabulous natural anti-depressant. Thanks to you Charles, I have over the past few years, managed to adapt my garden to suit my capabilities.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

What a lovely comment and I feel honoured to help so much, go well 🌷

[@johndeggendorf7826]

Dig it! (Sorry...I mean, don’t dig it...?) 👍

[@stuffwelike7184]

I'm 40 , I have chronic anxiety and chronic pain. I just started gardening and it helps my anxiety and depression so much. We had a few weeks there where it didn't stop raining and it drove me crazy not being able to get out.

[@vivsalittlebitcrafty4854]

@@stuffwelike7184 Hi..during 'those' times and the Winter months, I find reading gardening books, planning next years garden and looking online a great help. Hope you find some comfort my friend.

[@stuffwelike7184]

@@vivsalittlebitcrafty4854 Thanks 😊 I live in Florida so the winter is still not to cold. I was planning I making some of my bed, doing prep work and maybe doing a hydrophoic garden. The rainy days are hard because I love to get up be with nature. ❤

[@reidasowden3302]

This man’s voice! I could listen to him for hours on end.

[@Thankful_.]

🙋🏽‍♀️ Me too!

[@thomasmitchell4246]

@@Thankful_. you may have to with the rambling

[@Thankful_.]

@@thomasmitchell4246 🤣

[@SamanthaRobinson-gg8fs]

I have only just found him this morning and can see the day slipping away :)

[@DenaInWyo]

I just feel really grateful he's willing to share his knowledge, and even willing to take the time to answer questions on his vids.

[@tedbastwock3810]

I encourage EVERYONE who's found their way to this video to consume as much of Charles' content as possible -- YT videos, Books, Online Courses, In-person Courses (he still does these?), Calendars and other merchandise ....... the man has learned decades ago from pioneers who went before him and he himself has now decades of experience and wisdom to share. IK my personal enterprise has benefitted greatly from the knowledge learned here, and I've become a fervent Charles Dowding evangelist with absolutely no qualms or reservations about telling others about him. I must say, in contrast, there are some other "teachers" that I don't dare mention to others, as I've found their ways sub-par and lacking, and wouldn't want to hurt my own reputation in recommending them, but CD I have no problem recommending. Bless you, Charles, and Happy New Year.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Ted, v nice endorsement and I'm delighted you have benefitted. Happy 2022 - gardening will save us!

[@ThorneyRose]

You made me smile talking about the soil microbes and “eating a bit of it” like on the carrot. I’m a retired nurse and one of my colleagues was complaining how her children were always sick. And I told her “you need to let them eat more dirt”. She was horrified. Needless to say, my kids ate dirt, grasshoppers, cat & dog biscuits and other stuff found outside. They’re extremely healthy. Thank you for sharing. New subbie and new to gardening here. 🌹Rosie of Oz🇦🇺 & 🐶Omega the Cavalier🐶 - my doggo who likes watching KZbin with me and is my gardening supervisor!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you Roseanne for your lovely comment. It's such a shame that people have been conditioned away from what happens in nature, and I'm happy that you have such a healthy outlook 💚, good luck with a new garden.

[@RevDiscarnateEntity]

Dear Mr Dowding, thank you so much for this advice. I used your method at beginning of lockdown as an amateur having never gardened before. I am astonished at how prolific my veg has been 😃 Potatoes, cabbage, kale, spinach, onions, sweetcorn, peas, beans, leeks, marrows, pumpkins and lettuce. I also felt inspired to get rid of the sofas and junk in my conservatory and have grown pounds and pounds of tomatoes, cucumbers, chillis, peppers, aubergines and basil. I feel so smug 😁 Many heartfelt thanks for your easy system.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Lovely feedback and thanks for posting, great you managed all that

[@catbee1452]

You must have some A-MAZING soil!

[@markwiltshire1852]

Charles, I am a retired Horticulturist and did my apprenticeship in the late 70s. At college we were taught to single dig each year and add FYM yearly except for areas for root crops. The no dig theory goes against all of my training, experience and to be honest belief. As a trial last year I grew autumn Carrots and Parsnips in raised beds with used compost. The results were the best ever. I have now put the whole plot down to no dig. I added 4” of mushroom compost and matted the whole area to keep the foxes off. I have planted first early spuds and onion sets and can not wait to see the results. I hope that this method works as I have saved so much time. Will keep you posted.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Mark I bow to you because shedding old beliefs is harder than simply learning new ones. May your harvests be copious!

[@jimwilleford6140]

Charles Dowding Amen to that!

[@jimwilleford6140]

Charles Dowding Amen to that!

[@Marc83Aus]

It really is amazing, with a good covering of compost once it starts breaking into the soil worms do all the necessary digging.

[@keithwhitnell5343]

Hi Mark, what is 'matted' that keeps foxes off?

[@julesgoh]

I played this video many times in preparation of my first no dig mini garden today. Thank you Charles for this masterclass. I even stepped all over the compost

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are very welcome and good luck, homework is v worthwhile!

[@tarquin0005]

God I love this man. He's so generous with his incredible depth of knowledge. Just listening to his wisdom makes me feel calm and happy. Thanks to him our family now has healthy veg all year round, all organic, and even the kids love veg now they see the fun in growing them. I particularly love the way he doesn't just swallow conventional ways; he questions things and thinks and experiments for himself. This man deserves a knighthood.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks so much. I'm happy that your children eat and enjoy vegetables as well!

[@MCshlthead]

Agreed knighthoods should be for guys like this instead of war criminals

[@carolyngreen5458]

@@MCshlthead amen Sista!

[@donnabethturnage4446]

YES I am a brand new gardener about to do my first flower garden thanks to this man! And he is so calming

[@kimberleightempleton3011]

Absolutely

[@annasobkowiak3885]

I'm transforming my garden right now, from green grass to vegetable field in heart of big city! So, let's follow Charles and God bless him and his 'no dig' method. Greetings from Poland:-)

[@Nicktgrief]

Anna Sobkowiak makes two of us 😂

[@barbarafritchie2000]

I’ve been doing the same . My grass is almost gone.

[@mybrother1350]

Barbara Fritchie Yea I just started my seeds indoors and have been building a couple no dig vegetable gardens!

[@Just-Nikki]

Anna Sobkowiak I wish you abundance, happy planting!

[@AMonikaD]

Dzien dobry z Kanady. Charles jest wspanialy, co?

[@kirstenf3647]

The sharing of knowledge, with this quiet humility! If only everyone was like this, the world would be so different..

[@mopedinthemalverns6661]

Ditto

[@hils72]

Thank you for this video. It's inspired me to garden again after a few traumatic yrs (nurse, got covid and was in a coma) couldn't walk after and still recovering. I love gardening but can't weed etc. This no dig method is amazing. Thank you

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I'm so sorry to hear that, and also happy that you are connecting with your garden again, it's a privilege to help

[@AutumnLovingPallette]

I am a 29 year old life long city gal living in a flat, who finally took the leap and got half an allotment plot, to have some peaceful greenery in my life. My ploy neighbour, who has the most fabulous lush garden next to my overgrown heap, told me about your method (she swears by it!) and I’m so excited to start, it seems so beginner friendly!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is really cool Eloise and I wish you success. You will find that half an allotment is plenty for a beginner. Small is beautiful!

[@KarenTookTheKids364]

Ordering a 65" TV from Amazon so I can get the cardboard for this 😂

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😆

[@sbffsbrarbrr]

I know that was just a joke!!! And pretty funny at that......but just in case you actually are looking for cardboard boxes to start some beds, people on Facebook Marketplace are always giving away moving boxes for free.....I think I have enough to start 20 beds if I had the room!

[@carolhendley760]

Oh my goodness! I have so many cardboard boxes and I just started a compost pile. Im set! I will be trying this in my postage stamp size vegetable garden as well as my new flower beds.

[@sunsetsky594]

Some people I have talked to said they would not use cardboard in their garden because they wouldn't want to introduce the chemicals from the glue in the cardboard into their garden. What are your thoughts on that?

[@markporter45]

I went to the local tip to try and get cardboard out of the skip .. I was approached and told to put it all back !

[@jackspatch14]

Glad your going back to basics for all the newbies now no-digging for victory

[@gloriagehring8676]

I've moved to a 5 acre plot with a home on it to teach my friend how to garden, this is the method I've done for community gardens and will use for her place. We've got this in our late 60's.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is awesome Gloria. Enjoy that new project!

[@meghanpry3375]

The sounds of Spring make this video for me ❤

[@gardenernag3803]

I am from India.your videos very very useful to us.thank u for best information through your videos

[@vitorcruz271]

this is so calming to watch with the birds on the background

[@petersterling5334]

This Man definitely has Lots of Wisdom about Natural Farming and Plants and he's trying to Share it with the World! Cuz the World needs to see these Things!!

[@gernblenstein1541]

That's how I got started and I've never looked back. Neighbors over time have adopted the same strategy since seeing the results, and our back yards are slowly being taken over and turned into gardens. Also, this method over time will produce a wonderful raised bed.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Good stuff Gern, nice you are spreading the joy

[@newfguy1826]

you, Sir, are doing a noble service by educating people how to grow healthy food. Bravo!

[@eileencoyle6183]

Cottage garden

[@entiretinofsweetcorn7025]

What makes it healthy?

[@RunninUpThatHillh]

Vegetables are healthy.😂 That all the person probably meant.

[@entiretinofsweetcorn7025]

@@RunninUpThatHillh why are vegetables healty?

[@RunninUpThatHillh]

@@entiretinofsweetcorn7025 They contain vital nutrients that humans need to sustain life. Of course, they must be cooked (layered with dressings of oil, or heat-cooked or pickled first to break the cell wall; raw vegetables = no nutrients).

[@gee3883]

Charles pulls it out the bag again with this tutorial. I discovered his channel at the beginning of March and I knew this was the way to go given the current covid crisis. Follow his advice study his videos and you'll be up and running in no time. I started 14th March sowing seeds in the house following his tips and Ii've already got loads of trays growing with a whole variety of plants. Thanks Charles, you are a national treasure.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Graham

[@thomasfuchs9451]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig *international :-)

[@williewonka6694]

In the second year of no till composting using his advice. Very satisfied with the results, especially the very few weeds, which are easy to pull. Fabulous productivity with much less work.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Excellent, thanks for feedback

[@katherinetillotson7725]

I am 70 years old and have just started watching the wonderful and truly eye-opening videos Charles has produced. I havent been able to create a vegetable patch since my thirties due to chronic back problems and he has just changed all that?!I had no idea it was possible to grow vegetables or fruit without digging. You are an absolute one man revoluation in growing food Charels! I'm sure there are many of us who will be out there in our gardens following your adivce without ending up laid up in bed as a result! Thankyou!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice to read this Katherine, may your plants prosper, and you for sure!

[@keeksputels1851]

this lockdown has given me the time to do projects I've been putting off for years, made a couple extra beds and a nice sized pond. thanks for the video

[@TheMasondk]

Last line “It’s fun .....” Has changed my life and I’m grateful. Appreciate you .

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wonderful! Makes me happy

[@glenwoodfin]

Charles, you've inspired me to give gardening another go. Every year I'd get my tractor started and plow, but your method will work out better for me as I'm just a one man show. I was thinking about building above ground planters, but this method will allow me to ease into gardening without my usual procrastination. Also, growing plants directly in compost likely solves much of the fertilizing. So glad I found your channel. I'm an American, but my brother is a UK citizen and lives down in Bognor Regis. I love your style of just talking rather than giving a loud animated speech like most KZbinrs do. It's like we're just having a conversation.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Ah that is nice Glen and good luck with the switchover to no dig. I use no fertiliser at all. Call by if in the UK!

[@glenwoodfin]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Hugs, Charles

[@glenwoodfin]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig I'd rather hang with you than Big Ben.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😂

[@erinobrien8408]

Thanks so much Charles! I spent US$500 on 15m³ of excellent compost (delivery is expensive here in very remote Pacific Northwest mtns). My ground soil is sand and rock. That was the best investment I've ever made!!! Listening to your advice has been the best investment of my time I've ever made!!! My Zone 7b gardening methods had to change along with climate change: we're in temperate rainforest but now we're getting whole Julys & Augs with no rain and 32°-40°C (90-105°f) for weeks at a time. No dig beds with plenty of mulch and deep watering, plus shade cloth has worked wonders!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Hi Erin, thanks. I'm delighted to read this and how you have worked out that compost is an investment, for many years ahead. Despite the price! Your weather sounds much more extreme than here and I wish you all the best.

[@thebluelady7753]

I feel so at peace when I watch this channel 💙

[@jammybilly]

Agreed!

[@pereximepere8439]

Me too!

[@pjstar2009]

Love the cardboard! Altho I have to say, I just keep dumping good compost on top of my existing plot and I don’t turn anything over. After 10 years, I have raised beds!

[@sowmyakhandige8715]

Doesnt rain wash away the beds? Or Do you prop the sides with something?

[@natalieviklund8160]

I love listening to you speak. Your calm, reassuring voice gives me hope I can do thus too! Thank

[@cruella8501]

I'm absolutely blown away watching you...this is perfect for me as I thought I was limited to container growing. Thank you for making this doable!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks for your comment. Go for it.

[@julietteverschuren4433]

..same thought here...

[@zmblion]

I really have always enjoyed how mellow and layed back u sound and talk. Like Bob Ross just put a happy little bush right here lol. Good work

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks v happy to be compared with him

[@leekflower1]

Also thanks for giving American units too 😁

[@jenniewebb9586]

Very informative. Easy to watch and listen to. At nearly 70 years old, I feel I can start a vegetable patch using this method.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear!

[@permaculturebyprati9047]

Love this method. Have tried it at our home garden in Canada and it works perfectly.

[@kathygoad]

I really hope you take this as a compliment, but you have taught me so much since beginning my gardening journey a year ago, that I actually reference you as the professor .. "The professor says I should.." Today the professor taught me.." "You shouldve heard what the professor said today.." 😂🤗🤣 Again.. Thank you so much for all that you have taught me... THANK YOU!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Ah cute, I am so happy to hear this Kathy 💚

[@joseluisgrimaldo5349]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig I'm gonna call you that way from now on!!

[@gw6418]

Finally, a use for all those Amazon boxes!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😄

[@thomasfuchs9451]

FYI: I messaged Amazon a while back about their new paper tape and apparently its bio degradable. The fibers inside might take a while, which is why I still rip of, what I can, but don't worry about whats left.

[@sandrawinters2294]

@@thomasfuchs9451 Thanks for sharing that bit of info! I had been wondering about that very thing!

[@thomasfuchs9451]

@@sandrawinters2294 thrivingyard.com/composting-amazon-boxes/

[@NMW80]

Lol ikr I throw out so many in recycle bin but I will be keeping all the pure cardboard boxes that are safe for garden use from now on.

[@IzzysSaltLife]

Nothing like learning from a true master at growing things. I thank you for sharing your knowledge at gardening the best way. My respect and a huge thank you sir.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

My pleasure Izzy, thanks for writing

[@njoyn1909]

Thank you Charles! You have been helping me learn to grow for the past 8 or 9 years! Now that I finally obtained my own little chunk of land this year, I can’t wait to start my set up and not dig in!😆 keep on inspiring 💚💫

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wonderful, I wish you success, and thanks

[@1caramarie]

I'm very lucky, our town composts the leaves that people leave out in bags in the Fall. (The city just takes the leaves and leaves the plastic bags that can be reused.) I decided to check it out. You are only allowed to take it using shovels and buckets (to prevent resellers from taking it). I go in my minivan and can bring seven 5 gallon bucket full per trip. It is quite obvious I'm one of the few people going there this time of year. So a few minutes of shoveling saves me a lot of money on finished compost. Glad I found this video, because I can make some new beds, using the cardboard that have been stacking up and the free compost. This is the year for increasing home gardens, taking into account the mess the planet is in right now.

[@auyannaplants]

1caramarie we have a compost program as well and I am really thankful for it. You just have to get there quick because it goes fast

[@jimwilleford6140]

1caramarie Yes. My community does the same. We have no shortage of organic materials at a small cost.

[@tedbastwock3810]

But you never know what people have put on their yards. Whatever it is, it goes into your tummy ... or kills your plants.

[@carocaro1881]

How lucky you are! 😊 Compost has only just recently become available here one ton at a time, no collecting in small quantities though they have this last month begun selling it in bags, but that is quite expensive.

[@dabaglady]

Ty I've learned alot from this video. Got a compost pile started bought a wood chipper recently to put around my trees but now you've given me a new spin on productive gardening without destroying tree roots and keeping weeds away while still maintaining plant growth. Wonderful video.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad I could help Nancy

[@dabaglady]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig yes you have really helped waiting on compost now. Got a wood chipper and will treat then color code. This will be grt8 around my trees. My flowers will look great and I wont be disturbing anything. Once again Ty

[@tedpreston4155]

Thank you so much for these videos, Charles! Last year you inspired me to try this method, and I went a bit crazy with it. My garden is now three times the size it started . . . and growing. People who like to inject some whimsy into their gardens will find that this method lends itself to odd-shaped beds. Imagine a level, circular, sandy and weedy patch with a few very young trees, available for your garden. Shape the beds and paths in any way your inner garden designer dictates. Cover the whole circle in cardboard, allowing two small trees (a foot-tall Ponderosa and a three foot aspen) to stick through the cardboard, as part of the garden design. Wet the cardboard until it is soaked, to increase friction, so that it won't slide around while you shape your beds with a rake. Once you've shaped the beds, fill in the pathways in between beds with the mulch of your choice. (Another chance to assert that artistic side.) Plant your garden. Hopefully, we'll get to see a video later this year, when the garden is at its peak beauty and fullness - growing out of compost and cardboard. It will be enjoyable showing you what you've inspired! Now I need to figure out how to make videos.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cool!!

[@Stu-Vino]

What an incredibly useful, helpful video. Charles, 1,600 litres of good organic compost arrived on my doorstep this morning, and is now ready to spread on two new no-dig vegetable patches. I can't wait to get started!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad it was helpful and that sounds promising!

[@staciegulizia4144]

I struggle with disabilities that have limited my gardening abilities. This no dig method brings me so much hope! This method is much more conducive to my situation. I’m so excited to try this. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience. 🙏🌱❤️

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wonderful to hear Stacie and thanks for your feedback

[@olsim1730]

Now just need to have all potting mix/compost bags be made biodegradable so they too can be used as mulch! :)

[@josorr]

You would think that's a no-brainer, but the fact is, the shelf life of the bags would be VERY SHORT. You would end up with a pile of compost with no bag in short order.

[@rainyweather8685]

That's a genius point!!

[@nikkihorn3852]

You can re-use them as grow bags :)

[@thetwistedsisterme]

@@nikkihorn3852 OMG! What an awesome idea! Now why didn't I think of that! LOL! I have just been using all my feed, dirt, and bedding bags as garbage bags all the while looking for inexpensive grow bags and containers! I love you!

[@crpth1]

No need for that. Just put the used plastic bags to work as a light suppression layer (mulch). It's that simple. Most of the earth and compost plastic bags already have a black surface (inside). Cut them open, spread on your area of choice. Can be held down with a few stone, bricks, wood, branches, etc. Set them at late Fall or very early Spring. And enjoy weed free, clean soil in a relatively short time. BTW No need to dump them. After use, roll and store them. Until the next season! ;-) PS: First thing you'll notice when you take it out, to plant, in Spring time. Is the outrageous amount of earth worms and the dark color of the soil! Awesome! Enjoy.

[@momcation9786]

“Keep thinking ahead” is what I learned from you today! Thank you for the inspiration as always! I’ll prepare my very first no dig (a very small area in my small garden). The goal is to share my harvest with others. I enjoyed watching all your videos! Your garden is my dream garden! God Bless you always Charles!

[@nataliem3504]

Dear Charles, thank you so much for your wonderful videos and explaining no-dig so well. I had given up on gardening about 15 years ago when I dug around in a patch like crazy trying to get every last tiny bit of weed root out for at least two weeks, only to find that the place was all covered in weeds again only a month or two later. I did manage to grow some potatoes, carrots and onions but in such small amounts for my family of four that it seemed utterly pointless and backbreaking. You’ve filled me with enthusiasm and I’ve started a raised bed with cardboard as bottom layer, and now I’m trying a random weedy patch as described in this video. Feeling very hopeful. Have a beautiful summer 😊🙏

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

How lovely, and good luck Natalie

[@barbarat5729]

First time viewer. Have fallen in love with this man's voice.

[@davidsmith663]

Try the No Dig and you will think he can walk on water.

[@nathanwood4048]

Easy Barbara T. Settle down. Your estrogen is getting out of control. 😏

[@jimwilleford6140]

Barbara T Yes Barbara, I agree, and such a gentle soul!

[@tycole]

He really needs some voice or breathing lessons. Sounds like he is struggling and I find it difficult to listen.

[@vjjoshi8309]

@@tycole You will get used to it. He is not fast talker and think bit hesitant, I don't know why. But better this way than boastful. I love the way he explains even idiot like me can understand. I am watching him for 4-5 yrs but just recently started using lawn area. I am converting 1/4 garden ln no dig and another 1/4 in retractable hoop house [curtsey mr Internet] at knee high level as I reaching very soon to big 80. for fruit tree Tom Spellman from Dave Wilson. So much knowledge from these hardworking people passing on to us /shame not to take advantage and pay them homage by following them in our own gardens, win win

[@Chris-by8eh]

*** Hi Charles, Chris from Australia, LOVE your videos. With world events, we are transforming most of my backyard to a veggie patch. I think so many more will be doing this. So keep up your great videos :-)

[@carolinesemple2298]

Christopher Walker hello fellow Aussie, good luck with your garden. I remember as a kid nearly everyone had a backyard veg patch

[@elizabethkajet5501]

Caroline Semple I remember too. Everyone in Oz had at least a lemon tree. Most of us had a modest veggie patch, a plumb tree, chooks, mulberries etc. etc. Then on weekends we went bush walking and picked buckets of blackberries, which , the more enlightened among us have now eradicated. 🙄 All good they can still be purchased in a puny plastic tub @ WOOLIES. or wherever for $4:00-$5:00. Btw...they don't taste as good as it they

[@aenorist2431]

Call it a victory garden as they did in Britain in the blitz. Reduce long delivery chains that are prone to infection of those that work in them, as well as hurt the other big catastrophy, climate change.

[@MrJFoster1984]

Do you watch self sufficient me on KZbin?

[@carolinesemple2298]

Helicrete Sydney yes I have but I find he annoying lol

[@ES-7766]

Thank you for this valuable information. I’m in Texas, USA. The weeds are extremely stubborn here. However, I don’t mind the dandelions because of the pollinators.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks for sharing

[@ErikaVondrak]

So grateful for the simplicity on your words and methods, obviously coming from great experience! Appreciate you sharing with us beginners 🙏💕😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are so welcome Erika

[@Iquey]

"you can do it!" My man I love how you are so encouraging in this trying time.

[@mjforthepeople5803]

You, sir, are the cutest and most adorably educational tv host I've ever seen.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

How nice thanks :)

[@Flippin_Crazy]

I love your videos so much, Sir Charles. You are so kind, so positive, you make the most fearful gardener, so brave. ❤️

[@Kehh71235gmail]

Hi Pamela where are you from?

[@catchagrip.9468]

I've seen people throwing straw on top and using branches to stop it from blowing away, this prevents weeds from growing up as they can't get past the straw. Good video, thanks for sharing.

[@elliepascoe5954]

Two years ago, I carefully made my compost heaps. Due to circumstances, I couldn't take care of them. I didn't turn them, sheltered or watered them. Two years later: perfect, beautiful compost. With a smile I start my garden all over again. Thanks!😁🇳🇱

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Ah wonderful they waited :)

[@jimwilleford6140]

Ellie Pascoe Yes. It’s almost miraculous isn’t it?

[@elliepascoe5954]

@@jimwilleford6140 I considered it a wonderful, very welcome gift of Nature 🌈

[@ParetoLearner]

This is wonderful! I was meaning to start a small vegetable patch in my backyard, and was getting overwhelmed by having no experience, and almost everyone munching on buying lumber or raised garden beds to plant. You’ve totally changed this and made me see how much easier things can be. Thank you!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Happy to help Eric, yes keep it simple 😀

[@sourcecreator2222]

Totally right about the microbes and their benefit to our gut and overall health! Thanks for the inspiration Charles I received my first ordered truckload of compost (20 cubic yards) to start my garden today. Finally going to begin no-dig gardening. Cheers sir!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

How exciting, go you

[@happy0hippie]

I've just had the phonecall to say that I have been lucky enough to be allocated an allotment. After the initial excitement, I have to admit I've been quite scared, of not doing a good job, wasting the great opportunity or not being able to tackle the plot that at the moment is covered in grass. It's just me and this week I'm recovering from COVID and trying to get my head into planning and preparation. I think this video is going to be my saviour. As others have said so inspirational! Thank you! :)

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Exciting! It's actually good you feel 'scared', that's a good motivator! Means you want to succeed and I wish you success :) No dig will help.

[@happy0hippie]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig I have just been to the plot as had my 2 negative tests and the whole lot has been rotovated! So I now just have one massive slope of rotovated soil rather than the steps of grass lawn I'd seen when I visited. Can I still level it all out and start no dig as I was planning? I expect I am going to have a lot more weeds coming through! Thanks for any advice in advance!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

@@happy0hippie Misinformation wins again! A shame but yes, level the surface and spread compost of any kind on beds, woodchip on paths, hard to say if you need cardboard

[@jeannewhitaker1950]

appliance stores have the best cardboard. I did this last year and it outperformed all my other beds.

[@jturtle5318]

My husband delivered caskets, and the funeral home would unbox them and send back the large, dense, heavy cardboard box. I used them to make 4x8 foot raised beds, they're the best.

[@mand7favs1]

I've never got over losing Geoff Hamilton until I found Charles Dowding all these years later. 💗💗💗🙏

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Appreciate that, he was a hero of mine :)

[@elliotmali9004]

Many many thanks to you Sir. You really inspired me , I just hired a tractor to turn my 2 hector land within two weeks after that weeds is developing now. You have showed me how to work smart, save time and apply less effort on the land....with best quality produce. Thank you.

[@patricianunez4025]

I love this intelligent gentle man, my mentor.💕 I try to follow all his advice Ms Pat from southern Indiana USA.

[@marywatkins9438]

1:29 You are absolutely right about the sheet mulching. It has saved me hours in the garden weeding.

[@kamilfrancoolczak]

28 minutes of abundance of knowledge, thank you. 🌱🌿🍄🌾🍆🥦🥕🥬🧄🧅🥔

[@Asdfbedffhdsxe345]

Charle I love your work!!! Your videos are soo wholesome and interesting!! My hobby is creating wildflower meadows in housing estates on derelict patches. The best method is the no dig method, simply cover with cardboard and add a mixture of topsoil and sand 4/6 inches deep and you can transform nearly any bit of land into an abundance of beautiful flowers.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is awesome Andrew

[@lindastephens9691]

❤

[@lynnebarnes3840]

The gardening Banksy!!

[@theview7169]

He seems to be a very goodhearted human being. Goodness just radiates from this gentleman.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😀

[@pacificnorthwestgardener3511]

Thank you Charles for showing all the no dig vlogs. Before this actually had a name my neighbors years ago thought I was quite crazy with my cardboard collection. It also saves a lot of time when making new flower beds around the property. 👍👍👍👍

[@brianwhite9555]

Best part of the video... "a carrot like that you just wipe it on your trousers and eat it." My style exactly! :) I like to use two overlapping layers of cardboard for my garden mulching projects. Covering all seams is critical.

[@sasharemez7459]

Gardeners are the kindest of the people! Gardening calms me down, why I love doing it. and this man is a great example of a calm gardener

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@wandaalbiston7994]

Sweet, thankyou.. I’ve mentioned cardboard to my hubby several times.. 🙏🏽

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wonderful!

[@anjkovo2138]

I want to thank you Charles. I had a great year at my allotment this year. My freezer is jam packed with veg and fruits. It was you that got me into gardening 5 years ago. All the best to you Sir👍😊👍❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear Anj

[@yeevita]

Omg, thank you! I wanted to start a couple new beds and could not quite decide how to start. I had some vague idea of cardboard, sticks, dried cuttings topped with more cardboard and compost. So good to see this.

[@Ninelkabullet]

This is not just gardening, it’s a soul healing process, meditation 🧘

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚 nice

[@bluebirdflyinglow]

Thank you for taking the time to teach us about growing plants that are beneficial for food. This is information that will help us.

[@TXDHC]

Your no dig and propagating methods work so well! It was never so easy planting 180 pea plants!!! Cheers! 🥳🤗

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Ah fantastic

[@pyenygren2299]

Pizzaboxes and newspapers are my choises. Got to love them. 😀

[@limitedtime5471]

Nice, time for pizza delivery 😄

[@Ed19601]

Your channel has been an inspiration. On my new plot I spread out cardboard and was able to cover it with about 5cm of rotted horsemanure, 5 -10cm of compost and also 2-30 cm of leaves. The latter are quite easy to get this time of year. I think that should keep the weeds at bay. Various winter stuff planted, but the majority of the beds will be dormant till februari

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice work Ed, good to be ready

[@deegee8010]

What a simple pleasure it is to rid your bed of weed. What absolute joy it is to get the whole root.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So true!

[@jbelme1]

You hit on many important points. One: Anyone can own seeds but the ability to successfully germinate seeds in invaluable. Two: Starting seedlings in flats as opposed to direct sowing. I lost all of my first crops of corn & sunflowers to squirrels and beetles this year and was forced to plant a second and third.

[@2gooddrifters]

Just doing some revision as I'm making a couple of new beds. My enthusiasm has exceeded my capacity.

[@w.bevans5454]

So jealous of your growing seasons. We, here in Alberta Canada we have one short season for growing. About mid to late May - end- ish of Sept. That’s it. Sometimes not that long. Last frost date is first week of June. You do a wonderful job of teaching us many, many wonderful growing techniques. Love your videos. And your tips. Please don’t retire any time soon.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Ah thanks, and sorry to hear of your brief season. Here it i unusually cold this spring… solar minimum perhaps. Hope it warms with you.

[@joturner5709]

Very inspiring... Charles, you share your expertise so generously, and make growing accessible for all... Thank you!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I appreciate that! 💚

[@cjblack5925]

Thank you so much for taking so much unnecessary work out of my life! I enjoy all your videos. The great thing is, I can do it easily by myself without asking for help or paying someone to do it. My beds are ready for planting within a fraction of the time it took in the past. My sincere gratitude.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wonderful and thanks for your feedback Christine

[@NickGroves-fz7in]

Firming was one of the first things I was taught at Writtle college, RHS. Just discovered your videos. Why aren't you on TV. Very very good.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Ah thanks Nick, I have been on occasionally, have more freedom here

[@akmamma5572]

You are a delight to watch, bless you for this priceless knowledge, sharing it and truly being an inspiration and mentor to the rest of us. Blessings!

[@wildchook745]

I never get sick of watching this video...love it!

[@irinataylor6623]

Absolutely great garden! And that basket in the end looked so bountiful, happy and healthy. I really like how excited Charles gets over no dig method. I'm definitely trying this method on my garden tomorrow. Thank you!

[@stefanieknight9628]

This is absolutely the best simplest no dig garden I’ve seen , I love it , Thank you!

[@sourcecreator2222]

wonderful Charles, thank you. You have been my primary education and inspiration source for starting my garden as a brand new gardener! Congratulations on your great and well-deserved success both in the garden and as an educator!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wonderful! I feel fortunate to have the means to reach so many people, and it's lovely to hear your feedback.

[@gracefulchic2862]

Just applied the first layer of cardboard, this video has been an absolute godsend, and yes easy to listen to 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wonderful!

[@jeannet9592]

Charles, you are amazing. You have a gift, and I thank you for sharing it.

[@barrypetejr5655]

Charles as always i am so impressed...slowly changing over to no dig. Spring is just breaking here in the thousand islands. Looking forward to the growing season. Raising your own food is so rewarding in so many ways.

[@elizabethwatt8131]

So sweet of you to take the time and energy to show us, with your cardboard example, how to plant over cardboard, and how easy it is to plant seedling into the garden. You make it easy for us amateurs, to learn from a Pro. I appreciate your time, sir. God Bless. ❤️

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are so welcome Elizabeth!

[@imamansell]

Thank you for all your videos! I'm in AZ and I deal with a lot of clay soil that's very hard and digging just is too difficult. I've tried your no dig method after learning about you from Jessica at Roots and Refuge and started following you. My friends and family on the East coast can't believe I have a succesful garden in the low desert of Arizona and using no dig gardening to boot!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad to help Angela and that is lovely to hear!

[@Servantof12345]

I'm in Arizona also and I just saw him for the first time today. I'm going to be adjusting my gardening to this method! I can't wait to start.

[@Msesmith2]

Incredible!! All of these stories are so dang inspiring and just what I needed right now!!! Thanks for sharing ❤